Jones unconcerned over Hatters’ goal drought

Mike Simmonds

Hatters have yet to score in any of their last four matches, going 360 minutes without a goal since Paul Benson netted injury time at Exeter City.

“We came in, had a solid performance and hopefully we’ll score more than zero at the weekend.”

Nathan Jones

However, when asked if was worried, Jones, who takes charge of his second game against Mansfield this afternoon, said: “It’s one for me, so I’m saying no, that’s been prior to that.

“Hopefully we can change that, we’ve worked on that and I don’t envisage going another four games without scoring.

“We have enough quality in the squad to score goals so if we can stop them, then I’m sure it gives us a platform to win games,

“But that’s a stat that’s got nothing to do with me. We came in, had a solid performance and hopefully we’ll score more than zero at the weekend.”

Jones is well aware that Hatters will need a solid base to work from if they are going to break their recent duck, as he continued: “If you want to do anything in football you’ve got to keep clean sheets.

“I’m a manager that would rather win 2-0 than 5-4 if I’m honest, and that’s not to say I’m negative because I’m not, but clean sheets are vital if you want to win games.

“There’s not many top teams that don’t keep clean sheets, probably only Barcelona that can afford to give a goal or two away and still continually win games.

“So we’re going to have to have that platform, but that platform comes from a structure, comes from the shape that we do.

“We desire a work-rate from our players and once we get that, other things can come into fruition.”

Luton are yet to ever taste victory at Mansfield during their previous 13 league meetings, and when told of the stat, Jones said: “Ah beautiful, that’s cheered me up no end!

“Well there’s always got to be a first and that’s what we’ll be going there to do, be looking to win the game.

“Mansfield are in decent form, they’re just outside the play-offs so will be a stern, stern test.

“I’ve watched them numerous times and there’ll be a real test, but we have to concentrate on what Luton Town do, that’s all we can affect.

“We’re looking forward to another game, we’ve had another week with them, so hopefully we have put a few more things into the players and they’ve worked very well again this week.

“We know it will be a stern test, but hopefully we can match that and provide Mansfield with a test as well.